§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any plans to encourage the reintroduction of tramways into any cities or towns in Great Britain.
§ Mr. David MitchellOutside London it is for local authorities to consider any passenger transport needs in their areas and, if they judge it appropriate, to work up proposals for the reintroduction of tramways or the provision of light rail systems My Department is already in touch with a number of local authorities and others who are formulating proposals for tramways and light rail systems. Where an application for Government funding for a particular scheme is made, this is considered on its merits. It is also open to the private sector to promote schemes and there may often be useful scope for private sector participation in schemes promoted by local authorities, such as the Greater Manchester light rail system on which I made an announcement on 18 January at column 533 in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Bury, North (Mr. Burt) and the right hon. Member for Manchester, Wynthenshawe (Mr. Morris).
Within London, the private sector is contributing some £68 million to the Bank extension of the Docklands Light Railway. The eastern extension to Beckton, subject to parliamentary approval, will be funded by the private sector out of the increased land values in the Royal Docks, attributable directly to the extension. My Department is involved in studies of the feasibility of further light rail developments, which will be considered on their economic merits.